Introducing the Careforce Collective

Mark your calendars for October 9 as we launch the Careforce Collective Leadership Breakfast—a high-impact morning of purpose, connection, and inspiration.

This inaugural event, presented by CFG Bank, will feature:

• Scholar Spotlights: Hear moving stories of resilience and achievement directly from our Scholars.
• Engagement Moments: Sponsors are matched with a Scholar for year-long updates, engagement, and shared milestones.
• Networking with Purpose: Connect with top local leaders committed to making a difference.
• Corporate Recognition: Your brand, your impact—celebrated in front of Maryland’s philanthropic community.

Why Sponsor?

Supporting the Leadership Giving Breakfast means more than funding education—it’s an investment in workforce stability, health equity, and economic mobility. Sponsors demonstrate leadership in building stronger communities and nurturing the healthcare heroes of tomorrow. Sponsorships start at $5,000.

For more information on how you can get involved, contact mboyle@dwyerworkforcedev.org

A Day to Remember!

On May 14, more than 90 Maryland Scholars graduated with their CNA/GNA training certifications at Southern Baptist Church in Maryland! The celebration featured inspiring remarks from DWD CEO Barb Clapp and an unforgettable keynote by Shannon Queen, RN/MSN, who began her journey as a CNA and is now pursuing her doctorate in healthcare.

A huge thank you to our training partners—ItWorks, Goodwill, and Lorien—who attended the graduation and proudly announced their Scholars as they walked across the stage. We couldn’t have done this without you!

More Graduations Across DWD

Graduation season is in full swing! We've celebrated so many incredible milestones, with hundreds of Scholars across the states we serve receiving their CNA or GNA certifications. It’s inspiring to see each of you grow and thrive in your passion—and this is only the beginning.

Congratulations to all our Scholars! We can’t wait to see what you do next.

From Dream to Diploma: Honoring Our Scholars

In honor of so many Scholars graduating this month, the DWD team made this video to shout out and celebrate these inspiring milestones—check it out below!

DWD CEO Barb Clapp Appointed to UMMS Board of Directors

We're proud to share that Governor Wes Moore has appointed CEO Barb Clapp to the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors!

Barb’s leadership has empowered thousands through healthcare job training and placement. Now, she brings that same passion and vision to one of Maryland’s leading healthcare systems.

Join us in celebrating this significant achievement, and stay tuned for more updates on Barb's contributions to both DWD and the broader healthcare community. Congratulations, Barb — we’re excited to see the impact you’ll make next!

DWD Scales Up to Bridge Gaps in U.S. Healthcare Staffing

DWD has gone national! Building on the successes of 2024, our expansion and 2025 goals were recently featured in CityBiz and I95 Business. In 2025, we aim to train and place over 4,500 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) across the U.S., expand into New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Kansas, launch a Career Services Department to support long-term career growth, and broaden job placements to include hospitals alongside senior care facilities.

Click below to read more about our ambitious plans for the year ahead.

Milestones & Momentum: A Powerful First Year in Florida

DWD has reached a major milestone in Florida. In our first full year, we’ve supported nearly 450 CNA Scholars and provided over $405,000 in free training and support services. Of those Scholars who earned their certifications, 86% have already been placed in healthcare careers.

“The success we’ve seen in Florida in just our first year is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration toward a shared vision: providing career opportunities to the underserved and, in doing so, addressing the healthcare staffing crisis that is so daunting in a state like Florida,” said DWD CEO Barb Clapp.

Read more about our year of success—and where we’re headed next—in Florida Daily below!

Texas Determination

Meet Yesenia Herrera, a Dwyer Scholar in Texas who was inspired to become a CNA to build a better future for her son. Training once seemed out of reach—until she found DWD. Through our partnership with Southern Careers Institute, Yesenia and many others now have access to free CNA training and wraparound support services, making their healthcare goals possible.

Click below to read more about Yesenia and see the impact firsthand in Spectrum News.

COO Maria Darby at FCAN 2025

DWD COO Maria Darby recently attended the annual Florida College Access Network (FCAN) Summit in Orlando, Florida. This year’s theme was “Higher Education, Higher Reward”, focusing on how postsecondary education and workforce-aligned credentials can drive individual prosperity and economic growth.

Maria connected with potential training, funding, and nonprofit partners during the event. It was a valuable opportunity for education stakeholders, community leaders, and economic development champions across sectors to collaborate and inspire one another.

Above, Maria is pictured with Karen Moore of The Moore Group and Tony Carvajal, DWD Board Member!

Shaping Futures: DWD at the Gulf Coast Region Youth Apprenticeship Summit

DWD team member Alli Rutledge, Community Engagement Coordinator in Texas, recently attended the Gulf Coast Region Youth Apprenticeship Summit at Houston Community College. Students, employers, and educators came together to explore various career pathways through apprenticeship programs. Attendees engaged in valuable discussions about wages, hands-on experience, and earning college credit—gaining insight into the real-world impact these programs can have on future careers.

DWD is excited to be part of these events and conversations as we work to develop the healthcare workforce both in Texas and across the nation.

DWD Joins the RGV Hispanic Chamber

Joan Garza, DWD's Community Engagement Coordinator in Texas, had the opportunity to attend the Manic Monday Mixer on Cinco de Mayo, hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at Sinatra Restaurant. The event was filled with energy, community spirit, and incredible networking opportunities with fellow professionals and nonprofits across the Rio Grande Valley. Joan was able to speak about our important work, sharing our passion for supporting the community wherever we are. One of the highlights of the evening was receiving a plaque as new members of the Chamber—a moment we’re truly proud of!

A huge thank you to the RGV Hispanic Chamber for hosting this amazing event and for welcoming us so warmly. We're excited to be part of a network that is so committed to collaboration, growth, and community impact.

Celebrating a CNA Scholar’s Remarkable Journey

One of our recently graduated CNA Scholars invited two DWD team members—Zsa-Shane Smith, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Becca Thompson, Program Service Navigator—to attend his graduation from Helping Up Mission, celebrating six months in recovery.

This special milestone came just one week after he earned his CNA certification from Health Focus. We’re incredibly proud of his journey and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!

Post-Graduation Celebration Dinner

After our Maryland Graduation Ceremony on May 14, DWD leadership hosted several board members and Texas colleagues for dinner at Easy Like Sunday. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate our Scholars and connect with our team in person. We loved having you and can’t wait to welcome you again!

Celebrating One Year of Impact!

This month marks one year since Megan Heidler, Program Services Supervisor, and Tyaira Crawford, Program Services Navigator, joined the DWD team—and what an incredible year it’s been! From building meaningful community connections to supporting our Scholars every step of the way, their passion and dedication have made a lasting impact. We’re so grateful to have them as part of the DWD family and can’t wait to see all they’ll accomplish in the year ahead!

DWD is Growing 

We're expanding our team and looking for passionate individuals to join us in making a positive impact in Maryland and Florida!

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a dynamic team committed to workforce development!

Know Someone Looking to Grow Their Career in Health Care?

Calling all nonprofits, government agencies, case managers, social workers, faith community leaders, and counselors dedicated to serving unemployed and under-employed community members! We invite you to connect with us and explore how we can collaborate to become a valuable workforce development resource for your organization and the individuals you support. 

Let's work together to empower and uplift our community through meaningful employment opportunities and skill-building programs. Reach out to us today to start this impactful journey together!

Help us spread the word about the impact and positive changes we are making in healthcare. Like, share, and follow our stories on social media to create awareness and inspire others to join our cause.